Eketahuna Community Board

Minutes of a meeting of the Eketahuna Community Board held in the Eketahuna War Memorial Hall, corner of Jones Street and State Highway 2, Eketahuna on Friday 6 March 2015 commencing at 10.03 am.

1. Present

Board Members C C Death (Chairperson), T J Hull (Deputy Chairperson), D F Eagle, S E Shannon and Cr W H Davidson (Council appointed Community Board member).

In Attendance

Mr R Taylor - Governance Manager

2. Apologies

2.1	*That an apology be sustained from Cr T H Collis for non-attendance at the meeting.* Hull/Eagle Carried

3. Personal Matters

3.1

Nil

4. Notification of Items Not on the Agenda

4.1	The following matters were notified as items for discussion at today’s meeting to be dealt with through the reports from board representatives under sections 8.3 and 8.4 of the agenda: · Eketahuna Our Town Committee Annual General Meeting Tararua cycleway project proposal

5. Confirmation of Minutes

5.1	*That the minutes of the Eketahuna Community Board meeting held on 5 February 2015 (as circulated) be confirmed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.* Eagle/Hull Carried

6. Matters Arising from the Minutes

6.1	Eketahuna Camping Ground (Item 3.4)
6.1.1	The upgraded kitchen and toilet facilities at the Eketahuna Camping Ground look very good, and their appearance has been the subject of much favourable comment and praise.
6.2	Queen’s Service Medal Presented to John Harman (Item 3.1)
6.2.1	The presentation photograph of John Harman receiving his Queen’s Service Medal from the Governor-General has been framed and placed on display in the Eketahuna Service Centre/Library.
6.3	Kerbside Berm Mowing (Item 6.1)
6.3.1	The map from the Board’s inspection of the streets to be included in the mowing schedule contract for Eketahuna was referred to the Tararua Alliance to consider.
6.3.2	After reviewing the Board’s request of the recommended levels of service for the areas indicated on its map the Tararua Alliance has accepted that proposal as the basis of the kerbside berm mowing to be undertaken in Eketahuna.
6.3.3	Through this review the Tararua Alliance Manager has acknowledged the Board’s constructive approach to finding a solution that is cost neutral and provides the appropriate berm mowing standards for Eketahuna.
6.3.4	The Board will continue to monitor the kerbside berm mowing, and it shall include an item in the community newsletter to inform residents of the actions taken to ensure that a satisfactory outcome has been achieved.
6.4	Steam Train Visit to Eketahuna (Item 6.6)
6.4.1	There is potential to maximise the benefits of the steam train visit to Eketahuna by arranging some type of attraction within the town centre.
6.4.2	The existing arrangements take visitors to Pukaha Mount Bruce and the Middleton Model Railway, and an opportunity is being missed to include a package focused on Eketahuna.
6.4.3	This is a matter to progress by working with the organisers of the steam train visit, and considering appropriate options developed through the Eketahuna Our Town Committee and the Board.
6.5	Eketahuna Swimming Pool Committee (Item 6.4)
6.5.1	Due to the ongoing hot and sunny weather the Eketahuna Swimming Pool continues to remain open, with over 100 people a day using this community facility.
6.6	Tile Town Painting (Item 7)
6.6.1	The Tile Town Painting project presented by Mark Dimock and the phone campaign to sell the tiles is to be the subject of further consideration in terms of progressing this matter, and how to handle the payment of the funds received.
6.6.2	To ensure that a successful outcome is achieved the availability of the tiles for purchase should be advertised in the community newsletter and promoted locally. This publicity also needs to show an image of what is being offered and the cost involved.
6.6.3	The timing of the marketing is better deferred until winter, with a specific preference being identified to use the proceeds for the benefit of the town possibly through providing something extra to the upgrade.
6.6.4	Board Member Eagle will contact Mark Dimock to convey these concerns, and agree on the approach to take in coordinating this initiative.

7.	Tararua District Council Report
7.1	*That the report of the Tararua District Council meeting held on 25 February 2015 (as circulated) be received.* Davidson/Death Carried
7.2	Driver Licence Training
7.2.1	The actions being taken by the Mayor to establish a driver licence training programme in the district provided by the Tararua Learning Centre was noted, with board members indicating that they would like to see this option available at Eketahuna if possible.

8. Reports from Board Representatives Appointed to Organisations and Assigned Responsibilities

8.1	Emergency Management Committee
8.1.1	The Chairperson gave a verbal report on the Emergency Management Committee meeting held on 12 February 2015, and this included reference to the following matters: · A brainstorming session was held to look at a total water failure in Dannevirke and the subsequent consequences. · The possibility of arranging a trip to visit the Beehive Civil Defence bunker is being considered. · The site of the Eketahuna sawmill located on High Street contains hazardous material, and the regional council and the Environmental Health Officer are aware of that situation existing on this private property.
8.2	Tararua District Road Safety Group
8.2.1	The Chairperson gave a verbal report on the Tararua District Road Safety Group meeting held on 24 February 2015, and this included reference to the following matters: · Trees have fallen in the river at the old cemetery and by Bud Jones property, and they should be removed before they cause any damage and erosion within the vicinity of these areas. · This matter has been brought to the attention of the Tararua Alliance Performance Manager as there is the potential for the course of the river to alter and erode parts of the road. The regional council has been requested to follow up and take action to rectify this situation. · The police were generally satisfied with the behaviour of those attending the Super Rugby event held at Eketahuna, with no major issues occurring. · About 750 vehicles took part in the fatigue stop provided in the district on Wellington Anniversary Day. · The wearing of high visibility safety vests by participants in the Coast to Coast annual motorcycle event has increased to 43% compared to the previous rate last year of 27%.
8.3	Eketahuna Our Town Committee Annual General Meeting
8.3.1	The Eketahuna Our Town Committee Annual General Meeting was adjourned as it did not complete the business to elect all of the office holders to the vacant positions.
8.3.2	To enable the appointments to be filled and the formation of a new committee that meeting will need to be reconvened.
8.3.3	Time is required to work through this matter and settle any issues, with hopefully a more united and focused committee being established to work on projects for the betterment of the Eketahuna community.
8.3.4	It was agreed that the Board should keep this situation under review until the committee is appointed and functioning, with an item of business to be included on its monthly meeting agenda for this purpose.
8.3.5	There is a need to revisit the content of the existing Eketahuna website as this is currently not active, and it needs to be updated as a priority for the incoming Our Town Committee members.
8.4	Tararua Cycleway Project Proposal
8.4.1	This project has not proceeded with regard to progressing the planning, and Cr Davidson will contact David Clapperton of the Horowhenua District Council to follow up this matter.
9.	Correspondence
9.1	*That the correspondence as listed be received.* (a) Kerry and Loreen Cunningham Re: Eketahuna Camping Ground January report (b) Mayor Roland Ellis 5 February 2015 Re: Thanks for making the Hurricanes and Crusaders Super Rugby event a great success Shannon/Eagle Carried

10.

New Zealand Community Boards Conference 2015

10.1

That the Chairperson be registered as the Board’s delegate to attend the New Zealand Community Boards Conference held at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands from 14 to 16 May 2015.

Eagle/Hull Carried

11.	Eketahuna Service Centre Meeting Room
11.1	The Board intends to continue in this term of office to use the Eketahuna War Memorial Hall as the venue for its meetings. Any such decisions on this matter following that date will be made by the new Board in November 2016 after the next election.
11.2	This Board therefore agrees that its former meeting venue at the Eketahuna Service Centre/Library building can be used by the library provided the room continues to remain available in the future for meetings if it is required.

12.	Draft Long Term Plan 2015/2025 Community Meeting
12.1	The Board will arrange a community meeting regarding the Draft Long Term Plan to be held on 28 April 2015 at 7.00 pm in the Eketahuna Community Centre Supper Room.

13.	Eketahuna Town Centre Upgrade
13.1	The New Zealand Transport Agency has completed the safety audit of the main street in Eketahuna (that is state highway), and they will forward a report concerning the outcome.
13.2	Generally there were no major issues identified, with the matters noted for consideration relative to the planning of the town centre upgrade being as follows: · The location of the Kiwi is close to the edge of the state highway carriageway, and the site should be reviewed to find an alternative place that provides sufficient space where people can take photos in a safer environment away from the road. · The flower cart situated on the corner of Bridge Street and State Highway 2 creates a visibility concern due to its height, and it should either be removed or relocated to an alternative place away from the road. · Technical compliance aspects of some signs will be taken into account when developing the upgrade plan. · The speed limit in the vicinity of the state highway approach to Eketahuna by the War Memorial Hall is to be reviewed.
13.3	The Manager Assets Group has engaged Dave Charnley of Prorata as the landscape architect to develop the concepts for the town centre upgrade plan.
13.4	Dave Charnley would like to meet in the town centre with board members to undertake a walk to view the area and discuss options regarding possible concepts.
13.5	To assist him in preparing for this meeting Dave Charnley has been sent as background information a copy of the Board’s report on the outcome of its community consultation regarding feedback and ideas concerning the upgrade.
13.6	The Board requested that the meeting with Dave Charnley be arranged, and the 23 March 2015 at 10.00 am assembling in the Eketahuna War Memorial Hall was proposed for this purpose.

14. Chairman’s Remarks

14.1	Items for the Board’s Next Meeting Agenda
14.1.1	The following matters will be included on the Board’s next meeting agenda as items of business: · Anzac Day · Proposed skateboard park and playground renovations – Bridget Percy and Simon Currie will make a presentation at 10.30 am on the development of the plan for this project.
14.2	Hedges Located within the Vicinity of the Eketahuna War Memorial Hall
14.2.1	The hedges located within the vicinity of the Eketahuna War Memorial Hall are encroaching onto the footpath, and it is proposed that they be removed after Anzac Day and the resulting areas become planted in grass.
14.2.2	There were no objections expressed by board members to this course of action being taken.

15. Items not on the Agenda

15.1	Refer to the items set out in sections 8.3 and 8.4 of these minutes.

There being no further business the Chairperson thanked those present for their attendance and contributions, and declared the meeting closed at 12.07 pm.

____________________________

Chairperson

Report

Date	:	18 March 2015
To	:	Mayor and Councillors Tararua District Council
From	:	Craig Lunn Planning Manager
Subject	:	Planning Matters Determined Under Delegated Authority
Item No	:	10.1

1. Resource Management

1.1 The Chief Executive has granted the following resource consents under delegated authority:

2. Subdivision Applications

Pursuant to Sections 104, 104A and 104B of the Resource Management Act 1991, the following subdivision consents have been granted:

2.2.1

201.2014.41.1

B Massie, Maunga Road and Ormondville-Te Uri Roads, Whetukura

Consent to subdivide Lot 3 DP 426475 (CFR 504171) and Section 7 Block XIV Takapau Survey District (CFR 514592) into two allotments

Pursuant to Section 113 of the Resource Management Act 1991, consent was granted for the following reasons:

· The environmental effects of the proposal will be no more than minor, subject to the recommended conditions of consent.

· Granting consent will be consistent with the relevant objectives, policies, and area characteristics of the Operative Tararua District Plan and the relevant provisions of the Part II of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Pursuant to Sections 108 and 220 of the Resource Management Act 1991, consent was granted subject to the following conditions:

1. That the proposed subdivision shall proceed in general accordance with the application received by the Council on 12 December 2014, including the subdivision plans drawn by C G Bone dated “October 2014”, and held on Council file 201.2014.41.1, except as required by the following conditions.

2. That Lot 2 hereon and Part Section 8 Block XIV Takapau S D (residue CFR 514592) be held in one Computer Freehold Register.

LINZ Ref: 1265849

3. That this consent will lapse if not given effect to within 5 years from the date of commencement, under Section 125 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Advice Note:

a. Pursuant to Section 357 of the Resource Management Act 1991, if you disagree with this decision or any of the conditions of consent, you may lodge an objection in writing to the Tararua District Council. The objection must be received within 15 working days of the receipt of this written decision.

2.2.2

201.2014.42.1

Woodville Pahiatua Racing Club Inc., Upper McLean Street, Woodville

Consent to subdivide Lot 2 DP 27971 (CFR HBY1/133) & Lot 2 DP 438819 (CFR 542582) into four allotments

Pursuant to Section 113 of the Resource Management Act 1991, consent was granted for the following reasons:

· The environmental effects of the proposal will be no more than minor, subject to the recommended conditions of consent.

Pursuant to Sections 108 and 220 of the Resource Management Act 1991, consent was granted subject to the following conditions:

1. That the proposed subdivision shall proceed in general accordance with the application received by the Council on 15 December 2014, including the subdivision plan drawn by C G Bone – Land Surveyor dated “12/12/2014” and held on Council file 201-2014-42-1, except as required by the following conditions.

2. That Lots 1, 2 & 3 hereon be held in one Computer Freehold Register.

LINZ ref: 126990

3. That Lot 4 hereon and Lots 7 & 8 DP 360 (CFR HBC4/508) and Lots 2 & 3 DP 6768 (CFR HBM3/1105) held in one Computer Freehold Register.

LINZ ref: 126990

4. That this consent will lapse if not given effect to within 5 years from the date of commencement, under Section 125 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Advice Note:

2.2.3

201.2015.2.1

P Field, 88 Halls Road, Pahiatua

Consent to subdivide Lot 1 DP 387675 (CFR: 350711), into seven allotments over five stages.

Pursuant to Section 113 of the Resource Management Act 1991, consent was granted for the following reasons:

· The environmental effects of the proposal will be no more than minor, subject to the recommended conditions of consent.

Pursuant to Sections 108 and 220 of the Resource Management Act 1991, consent was granted subject to the following conditions:

General Conditions

1. That the proposed subdivision shall proceed in general accordance with the application received by the Council on 23 January 2015 and the amendments received on 5 February 2015 and 24 February 2015, including the updated subdivision plan drawn by Colin Fink – Land Surveyor dated “24/2/2015” job no “214068” and held on Council file 201-2015-2-1, except as required by the following conditions.

2. The consent holder shall provide a copy of this consent and any relevant documents that relate to this consent to each operator or contractor undertaking works authorised by this consent, before that operator or contractor starts any work.

3. That all stages must occur in numerical order as per the application received by the Council on 23 January 2015.

Stage 1:

4. That Stage 1 shall proceed in general accordance with the application received by the Council on 23 January 2015 and the amendments received on 5 February 2015 and 24 February 2015, including the updated subdivision plan drawn by Colin Fink – Land Surveyor dated “24/2/2015” job no “214068” and held on Council file 201-2015-2-1, except as required by the following conditions.

5. That the proposed Lot 5 vehicle crossing be located, formed and sealed in accordance with the standards within Section 5.3.3.2 (e), Appendix 12 of the Operative District Plan. Please see advice note b.

6. Prior to requesting approval under Section 224 of the Resource Management Act 1991, the consent holder shall provide a written statement to the Council detailing how the general conditions above and conditions of Stage 1 of this consent have been met.

Stage 2:

7. That Stage 2 of the subdivision shall proceed in general accordance with the application received by the Council on 23 January 2015 and the amendments received on 5 February 2015 and 24 February 2015, including the updated subdivision plan drawn by Colin Fink – Land Surveyor dated “24/2/2015” job no “214068” and held on Council file 201-2015-2-1, except as required by the following conditions.

8. That the proposed Lot 3 vehicle crossing be located, formed and sealed in accordance with the standards within Section 5.3.3.2 (e), Appendix 12 of the Operative District Plan. Please see advice note b.

9. Prior to requesting approval under Section 224 of the Resource Management Act 1991, the consent holder shall provide a written statement to the Council detailing how the general conditions above and conditions of Stage 2 of this consent have been met.

Stage 3:

10. That Stage 3 shall proceed in general accordance with the application received by the Council on 23 January 2015 and the amendments received on 5 February 2015 and 24 February 2015, including the updated subdivision plan drawn by Colin Fink – Land Surveyor dated “24/2/2015” job no “214068” and held on Council file 201-2015-2-1, except as required by the following conditions.

11. That the proposed Lot 1 vehicle crossing be located, formed and sealed in accordance with the standards within Section 5.3.3.2 (e), Appendix 12 of the Operative District Plan. Please see advice note b.

12. Prior to requesting approval under Section 224 of the Resource Management Act 1991, the consent holder shall provide a written statement to the Council detailing how the general conditions above and the conditions of Stage 3 of this consent have been met.

Stage 4:

13. That Stage 4 shall proceed in general accordance with the application received by the Council on 23 January 2015 and the amendments received on 5 February 2015 and 24 February 2015, including the updated subdivision plan drawn by Colin Fink – Land Surveyor dated “24/2/2015” job no “214068” and held on Council file 201-2015-2-1, except as required by the following conditions.

Stage 5:

14. That Stage 5 shall proceed in general accordance with the application received by the Council on 23 January 2015 and the amendments received on 5 February 2015 and 24 February 2015, including the updated subdivision plan drawn by Colin Fink – Land Surveyor dated “24/2/2015” job no “214068” and held on Council file 201-2015-2-1, except as required by the following conditions.

15. That a 10-metre Right of Way Easement marked on the Subdivision Plan dated “24 February 2015” and “Job no. 214068” for the purpose of access of Lot 6 and Lot 7 over Lot 4 be duly granted or reserved.

16. The consent holder shall upgrade and seal the existing vehicle crossing to proposed Lot 4 and the right of way to Lots 6 & 7 in compliance with the standards set out in Appendix 12 of the Council’s District Plan.

17. That the Rights of Way Access must be formed, sealed and designed in accordance with New Zealand Standard 4404: 2010 Land Development and Subdivision Infrastructure Rural All other situations Figure E8.

18. Prior to requesting approval under Section 224 of the Resource Management Act 1991 the consent holder shall provide a certificate from an experienced and qualified Chartered Professional Engineer or Professional Surveyor to the Planning Manager of the Tararua District Council that:

a. The physical works have been carried out in accordance with the conditions of consent approved by the Council.

b. The physical works meet the relevant NZS 4404:2010 standards.

19. Prior to requesting approval under Section 224 of the Resource Management Act 1991, the consent holder shall provide a written statement to the Council detailing how the general conditions and conditions of Stage 5 of the consent have been met, except for those conditions otherwise addressed by Condition 18 above.

Advice Notes:

b. Regarding conditions (5), (8), (11) & (17) – Please contact the Area Supervisor at the Tararua Alliance (06 376 0200) for any queries regarding construction standards.

c. For each stage, one or more survey plans may be submitted for the Council’s approval pursuant to Section 223 of the Resource Management Act, within the lapse period specified by this consent. Any approved survey plan will subsequently lapse, if not deposited within three years of the date of approval.

d. An application can be made to extend the lapse period specified by this consent pursuant to Section 125 of the Resource Management Act.

3. Subdivision Plans Approval

Pursuant to Section 223 of the Resource Management Act 1991, having previously obtained subdivision consent, the following plans of subdivision have been approved:

3.3.1	201.2013.82.1	C, E and T Hook, 33 Cole Street, Dannevirke
3.3.2	201.2014.33.1	Brown, Beech & Usherwood, 128 Thompsons Road, Pahiatua

4. Land Use Applications

Pursuant to Sections 104, 104A and 104B of the Resource Management Act 1991, the following land use consents have been granted:

4.4.1

202.2014.40.1

DB Breweries Ltd, Kohinui Road, Mangatainoka

Consent for earthquake strengthening of a heritage building known as the Brew Tower and associated earthworks.

Pursuant to Section 113 of the Resource Management Act 1991, consent was granted for the following reasons:

· Subject to the imposition of conditions, the activity will have minor actual or potential adverse effects on the environment.

· The proposal is not contrary to any relevant objectives or policies.

· The proposal is consistent with Part II of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Pursuant to Section 108 of the Resource Management Act 1991, consent was granted subject to the following conditions:

General:

1. The development shall proceed in general accordance with the plans, appendices and information submitted with the application on 1 December 2014, and further information received on the 30 December 2014 and 14 January 2015, except where another condition of this consent must be complied with. This information is held on Council file 202.2014.40.1.

2. The consent holder shall be responsible for all operations related to the exercise of this resource consent, and must ensure employees and contractors are made aware of the conditions of this resource consent and ensure compliance with those conditions.

3. The consent holder shall ensure that all activities authorised by this consent shall comply with NZS 6803:1999, which restricts noisy construction activity to 7.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday.

4. Construction noise shall be measured and assessed in accordance with New Zealand Standard NZS6803:1999 Acoustics - Construction Noise or any successor and shall not exceed the noise limits recommended therein.

5. If any archaeological site, taonga or koiwi is discovered during the works authorised by this consent, the consent holder shall immediately cease work at the affected site. The Consent Holder shall notify Kahungunu Ki Tamaki Nui A Rua and Rangitane, the Historic Places Trust, the Tararua District Council Planning Manager, and in the case of koiwi, the Police, and shall not recommence works in the area of the discovery until the relevant Historic Places Trust and Kahungunu Ki Tamaki Nui A Rua and Rangitane approvals to damage, destroy or modify such sites have been obtained, and the Tararua District Council has given authorisation to recommence the activities. Please refer to advice note b. for additional comments.

Contaminants Management:

6. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including specific information on the qualifications, project examples and experience of the nominated person shall be submitted in writing to the Tararua District Council, Attention: Planning Manager and works shall not start until the Council determines in writing, or it is deemed under Condition (6), that the nominated person has met the qualification and experience requirements.

7. If the Tararua District Council does not respond in writing within 10 working days of receipt of the submitted information regarding the qualifications and experience of the nominated person, the nominated person shall be deemed to have the required qualifications and experience.

8. The consent holder shall provide written notification of the date activities will commence on site. Written notification must be submitted to the Tararua District Council, Attention: Planning Manager, no later than one week before the works commence.

9. In the event that soil is to be removed from the site, the information on the name and location of the proposed disposal facility, approval of the disposal facility operator to accept the excavated material, and evidence that the disposal facility is lawfully authorised to accept the excavated material, be submitted to the Tararua District Council, Attention: Planning Manager and that transport of the excavated material off-site shall not start until the Council has determined in writing to the consent holder, or it is deemed under Condition (10), that the proposed method of disposal is lawful.

10. If the Tararua District Council does not respond in writing within 10 working days of receipt of all of the submitted information regarding the proposed disposal facility, approval of the disposal facility operator, and evidence of lawful authority to accept the excavated material, then the proposed method of disposal shall be deemed lawful.

11. Controls to minimise human contact with contaminants must be implemented before the activity begins and remain in place throughout the duration of the activity until the site is reinstated to an erosion-resistant state.

12. Any excavated contaminated soil stored on site or other contaminated materials must be stored on an impervious surface and covered for the duration of the storage. Any run-off must be contained within the site.

13. The consent holder shall ensure that any dust generated through exercising the consent does not cause a nuisance beyond the boundaries of the site or causes a visibility hazard for road users.

14. The consent holder shall ensure that the activity does not cause an odour, which, having regard to the frequency, intensity, duration and offensiveness of the odour is objectionable, or creates a nuisance beyond the boundaries of the site.

15. The soil must be reinstated to an erosion-resistant state within one month after serving the purpose for which the activity was done. The consent holder shall provide written notification of the reinstatement of the site and the date that the activities end. Written notification must be submitted to the Tararua District Council, Attention: Planning Manager, no later than one month after the activity ends.

16. The results of the investigation of the piece of land required by the current edition of Guidelines for Assessing and Managing Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Sites in New Zealand, and if any facility is used for disposing of the excavated material then receipts must be provided in writing from them to the Tararua District Council, Attention: Planning Manager within 3 months after the activity ends.

17. That this consent will lapse if not given effect to within 5 years from the date of commencement, under Section 125 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Advice Note(s):

a. Pursuant to Section 357 of the Resource Management Act 1991, if you disagree with this decision or any of the conditions of consent, you may lodge an objection in writing to the Tararua District Council. This objection must be received within 15 working days of the receipt of this written decision.

b. The Historic Places Act 1993 (HPA) provides for the identification, protection, preservation and conservation of the historic and cultural heritage of New Zealand. Under Section 2 of the HPA, an archaeological site is defined as a place associated with pre-1900 human activity where there may be evidence relating to the history of New Zealand. Section 10 directs that an authority is required from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust if there is "reasonable cause" to suspect an archaeological site (recorded or unrecorded) may be modified, damaged or destroyed in the course of any activity. An authority is required for such work whether or not the land on which an archaeological site may be designated, or a resource or building consent has been granted, or the activity is permitted in a regional or district plan. Evidence of archaeological sites may include oven stones, charcoal, shells, ditches, banks, pits, terraces, stonewalls, building foundations, artefacts of Maori and European origin, or burials.

4.4.2

202.2015.1.1

L Redward, 79 Fergusson Street, Woodville

Consent to breach the recession plane for a proposed secondary dwelling

Pursuant to Section 113 of the Resource Management Act 1991, consent was granted for the following reasons:

· Subject to the imposition of conditions, the activity will have minor actual or potential adverse effects on the environment.

· The proposal is not contrary to any relevant objectives or policies.

· The proposal is consistent with Part II of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Pursuant to Section 108 of the Resource Management Act 1991, consent was granted subject to the following conditions:

1. The development shall proceed in general accordance with the plans and information submitted with the application on 20 January 2015, except where another condition of this consent must be complied with. This information is held on Council file 202.2015.1.1.

2. If this consent is not given effect to within a period of 5 years from the date of its commencement it shall lapse under Section 125 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Advice Notes:

5. Recommendation

5.1 That the report from the Planning Manager dated 18 March 2015 concerning the Planning Matters Determined Under Delegated Authority (as circulated) be received and the approvals noted.

Attachments

Nil.

Report

Date	:	18 March 2015
To	:	Mayor and Councillors Tararua District Council
From	:	Blair King Chief Executive
Subject	:	Staff Report - March 2015
Item No	:	10.3

1. Reason for the Report

This report is to update Councillors on key projects and items of interest for the period from 18 February 2015 to 18 March 2015.

Key Points

2. Infracon Liquidation

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) released their first Infracon six month liquidators report on 12 March 2015. This can be found on the Companies Office website, company number 1220146 http://www.business.govt.nz/companies.

The liquidators assessed that certain parts of the business could not viably continue to trade and just under half of the staff were almost immediately made redundant. The last few staff left the Company at the end of February 2015. PWC, Wellington, are now handling all ongoing matters and enquiries.

The report acknowledges that the company, once significantly restructured, was able to be sold for $7.6 million, and performance bonds of over $2 million were not required to be paid out. This is excellent news as it ensures an expected return to all unsecured creditors of 95-100%, including the remaining staff redundancy entitlements. However, they also advise that any investigations into why the previous board/management team of Infracon made the decisions they did, would only increase the costs of the liquidation process. As that cost was close to $500,000 at the report release, they have decided against this.

The restructuring involved the significant downsizing of the company, and ceasing of unprofitable contracts, a direction that the Council shareholder representatives had sought the independent Board investigate and undertake with urgency.

In our view, the liquidators excellent results confirm that the decisions of the interim Board of Councillors were prudent. This interim Board was only appointed after the previous Board’s remaining members resigned following a formal request to present detailed options to shareholders on how they intended returning the company to a profitable base.

3. Health and Safety Leaders Summit March 2015

Worksafe New Zealand, legal experts, national contracting companies and recognised leaders in Health and Safety, provided a detailed overview of the proposed legislation being considered by Parliament, and actions that should be taken under the current Acts.

For Council, some of the takeaway points were

· As evident in the prosecution by Worksafe of a Government Agency in Ashburton after staff were tragically killed and injured by a person who entered their office with a shotgun, they are seeking any defence to be considered by the Courts, not Worksafe. A comment was made that if we consider councils as being similar to banks in terms of risks, we should implement the best practicable solution consistently. Currently, banks depending on brand, have a different security setup, which is similar to councils.

· “Dashcam” cameras in vehicles and on enforcement staff are becoming as valuable as CCTV systems are in preventing incidents, or recording facts if an incident does occur. Similarly, GPS to locate vehicles and ensure field staff have arrived or returned safely, is becoming the norm, rather than an optional accessory.

· Executive staff, Councillors, and Board Directors, need to ensure a suitable control environment exists, and they role model this, especially when attending sites.

· A number of myths exist, where companies are saying they won’t or are unable to do an activity due to “health and safety”. Instead, Worksafe are looking to see evidence of a hierarchy of controls in assessing and managing risks, given the practical nature of the activity being delivered.

· Improved communications are needed, especially where staff attend sites under the control of others relating to “duty of care” obligations. For example, a building control official understanding that in the event they observe a significant unsafe work practice when arriving, they should formally advise the site manager of this regardless of whether that work practice may directly hinder their ability to complete the required inspection.

· Managing fatigue, especially the obligations on employees to use non-worktime wisely, reflecting the risks present in their working environment.

4. Breach of Water-take Consent - Dannevirke

Horizons Regional Council is reviewing Council’s actions leading to exceeding either the flow rate and/or daily consent limit for Dannevirke during the periods where the No 2 Reservoir was insufficiently full to meet minimum requirements. As mentioned in the water section below, we currently have an inline pump on hire to boost the flow levels sourced from the impounded supply known as No 1 Reservoir, to ensure we continue to comply with all consent limits.

5. Sealing of Document

The Mayor and the Chief Executive signed on behalf of the Council under its Common Seal the following document:

· Licence to occupy Victoria Domain Board reserve land

6. Human Resources

Recruitment – Meggyn Bamford joined the Regulatory Services Team as an Animal Control Officer and Jade Dittmer joined the Customer Services team and is based in the Pahiatua office.

Carrie Newell will shortly be joining the Records and Information team.

Alyshea Bell and Wendy Sigvertsen have joined the Economic Development and Communication team on a six-month return to work WINZ ‘Return to Work’ scheme.

Recognition of service – Carole Wilton celebrated twenty years employment with Council and a morning tea to acknowledge this was held on Thursday 19 March at the Woodville i-SITE.

Activity Reports

Alliance – Contract CT32-14 Management Report

Executive Summary

7. General

February has been a very busy month in regards to planning and resourcing the physical works. The main focus of the Alliance Management Team has been focussed on delivering the Roading Asset Management Plan in time for Audit NZ. Initial reports are that the AMP has been reviewed and there have been very little questions come back from Audit. The next project will be undertaking the Stormwater Asset Management Plan and this will be scheduled for completion by end of April.

In regards to the physical works, the Alliance is in its busiest months with pavement rehabilitations, re-sealing and project work for utilities now in full swing and there are a large amount of resources on the network. There is still a large amount of work to get through over the next four months and this will be the priority of the Alliance team.

Several projects including the Vogel Street stormwater and watermain renewal and the Woodville Recycling Centre car park are nearing completion. The additional utilities work and the Saddle Road are putting pressure on the planning and design team and there is still pressure on the team to deliver on the Asset Management Plan and Long Term Plan deadlines.

The most immediate priority heading into March is beginning the reseal programme for 2014/2015 and beginning the second round of pavement rehabilitations. Work is nearing completion of the network drive-over to determine the priorities for the 2015/2016 financial year.

Once the Alliance gets through the large bow wave of physical works in June the focus will switch to programming in the 2015/2016 forward works programme and implementing the performance framework to begin reporting on the Alliance KRA’s & KPI’s.

Lease agreements have been finalised for the lease of the Oringi office and yard. Construction is scheduled to begin over the next few weeks and it is likely to take approximately three months, so the Alliance is hoping to be fully housed at the Oringi site by the end of June 2015.

Planning

8. The complete network drive-over is nearing completion to determine priorities for the 2015/2016 roading programme. Fault data collection is almost finished on the 2015/16 renewal sites and once done will provide the first flag for the rehabilitation/reseal decision-making process. The analysis of this data will begin in March and will form the basis of the Forward Works Programme for 2015/2016. Once the renewal sites fault collection is completed another round of inspections will begin on the strategically important roads and the urban areas. One of the outcomes of the ONRC implementation will be a structured inspection regime and so over the next few months this will be defined and commenced.

9. 2014/2015 Reseals

The 2014/2015 reseal sites have been finalised and chip has been stockpiled in preparation. Resealing will commence in mid-March and we have scheduled 2 sealing crews for Tararua. The resealing is expected to be completed by end of April. There have been some additional repairs on the 2014/2015 sites, and these are being completed in order to ensure we’re getting the best results from the reseals and not having to revisit those sites for some time. Due to the pre-reseal repairs later in the season, there will be some repairs that require texturizing prior to resealing.

10. 2015/2016 Reseals

Identification of the 15/16 Renewals programme has been completed with site visits confirming the desktop network analysis. Road defect fault identification on these sites in now underway and will help determine which sites receive rehabilitations or reseals. Once completed work will commence on the pre-reseal repairs for 2015/2016 reseal sites. The strategy is to complete at least 70% of all pre-reseal repairs one season in advance of re-sealing.

11. 2014/2015 Pavement Rehabilitation

The pavement designs and schedules are nearing completion for the second series of rehabilitations for this season. The majority of the sites have been determined as stabilised pavement treatments and we are just awaiting the results of the Unconfined Compressive Strength testing to be undertaken on the pavement samples before confirming final treatment.

11.1 2014/15 Confirmed Northern Pavement Rehabilitation Sites (Group 1)

Road	RP	% complete
Umutaoroa Rd	518 – 1956	60%
Umutaoroa Rd	3608 – 4071	10%
Totaramahonga Rd	29 – 338
Ruahine St	544 – 872	50%
Norsewood –Ormondville Rd	5030 – 5138	20%

11.2 2014/15 Southern Area Sites (Group 1)

Road	RP	% complete
Kohinui Rd	4230 – 4397
Kohinui Rd	4414 - 4476
Kohinui Rd	6199 – 6357
Mangaone Valley Rd	10600 - 11070	100%
Upper Mclean Rd	152 – 336	70%

Upper McLean Road Pavement Rehabilitation

11.3 2014/15 Northern Area Proposed Sites (Group 2)

Road	RP	Proposed Treatment
Waitahora Valley Rd	4441 - 4597	Stabilising
052 - 0109	2492 - 2740	Stabilising
052 - 0109	3781 – 4328	Stabilising
052 - 0109	4984 - 5140	Stabilising
052 - 0109	6549 - 6647	Stabilising
052 - 0109	6675 - 6705	Stabilising
052 - 0109	8252 - 8412	Stabilising
052 - 0109	8725 - 8875	Stabilising
Jens Andersen Rd	1800 - 2242	Stabilising
Odin St	11 - 130	Stabilising
Odin St	130 - 224	Stabilising
Weber Rd	28173 - 28500	Stabilising

11.4 2014/15 Southern Area Proposed Sites (Group 2)

Road	RP	Proposed Treatment
Valley Rd	2480 – 2610	Overlay
Valley Rd	6326 - 6851	Overlay

Note that not all of the above projects will go ahead in the 2014/2015 financial year and are dependent on available budget. Projects will be decided upon after validation and prioritisation.

12. Water & Drainage

Design and plans are being undertaken on several water and wastewater projects for the Assets team. These include:

· BP Service Station Dannevirke – Sewer lateral replacement

· Adele Street Woodville – Watermain replacement

· Woodville Wastewater Treatment Plant – Screen Replacement

· Undertaking Designs on Renewals of both Water and Sewer in Eketahuna for earthquake damage

13. Data Collection and Asset Information Management

The AMP has been a focus for much of February with the data mining and presentation of network information from RAMM being a major focus for the Asset team. During February, the annual roughness and condition surveys were completed and corresponding data loaded into RAMM. In March, these surveys will be analysed against previous years. Preparation has also begun for the transition away from SPNAM for the annual road valuation with data analysis currently in progress. Some work is still to be done to confirm the migration process.

Delivery

14. General Maintenance

General maintenance activities have been continuing in February with potholes, edge marker posts, sign installations, bridge deck clearing, CRM response and general maintenance.

Programmed routine drainage work and high shoulder removal has been undertaken on the following roads:

· Kaitoki Rd,	· Waihi Valley Rd,
· Tiratu Rd,	· Marainanga Rd,
· Waikakahi Rd	· Centre Rd

15. Sealed Pavement Maintenance

The bulk of the work completed for the month of February has been the 2014/2015 pre-reseal repairs in preparation for resealing. Additional resources are working on the network to get this work completed so resealing can begin.

` The stockpiling and testing of the sealing chip has been completed.

16. Unsealed Pavement Maintenance

Work has continued with grading and maintenance metalling crews throughout the district. The strategy is being applied when grading to put some positive shape back into the unsealed roads, and this will help reduce grading frequencies in the future. Some of the roads completed in February include the following:

· Birch East Rd	· Owahanga Rd
· Franklin Rd	· Hinemoa Valley Rd
· Korora Rd	· Esdaile Rd
· Rimu Rd	· Glenora Rd
· Soldiers Rd	· Makakhi Rd
· Hallblock Rd	· Ridge Rd Central
· Tawera Rd	· Waipatiki Rd

17. Vegetation Control

Work is underway on mowing the unsealed road network. A further review of all mowing will be undertaken in March to programme roads requiring second cut mowing and sightline improvement mowing. Levels of service will require specific review as this budget is now exhausted and will be under pressure in the future.

The Alliance recently met with the Pahiatua On Track Committee to discuss the urban mowing levels of service within the township. The Pahiatua On Track Committee is going to assist the Alliance to identify areas for improvement in regards to the urban mowing whilst trying to keep within the existing budget. This community engagement is important to manage changing levels of service.

Work is underway programming the stormwater drains maintenance in the urban area.

18. Emergency Works

Work is underway on planning and design of the emergency works projects now that the additional funding has been approved by NZTA. Currently looking at alternative methods to original designs to reduce the overall cost. Looking at more alignment changes rather than retaining walls. A list of projects is expected to be available in March 2015.

19. Bridges and Structures

Work is now well advanced on the Rakaiatai Bridge Renewal. Work is expected to begin on the Edgecombe Road Bridge (N-059) in mid-March.

20. Footpaths

Work is underway on the footpath construction at the Pongaroa School. This project is part of our footpath renewals budget.

21. Street Cleaning

Crews have been continuing regular clearance of litter bins as well as routine cleaning of all main streets. The street sweeper has been programmed to spend three days per week in the Tararua network undertaking general street sweeping. This will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure a good level of service.

Still receiving some complaints and CRM’s around general litter – especially around the northern end of Dannevirke around local shops. Regular inspections and litter patrols have been arranged to improve this level of service.

Subcontracts for the litter collection and disposal have been let to local subcontractors and Bree’s Property Services are now undertaking Woodville and Pahiatua. Currently finalising subcontract arrangements with Wilson’s Gardening Services for Eketahuna.

22. Pavement Remarking

Roadmarking Services will continue to undertake Pavement Marking. Majority of pavement remarking will be undertaken in April/May once this year’s reseals are complete. Pavement marking is aligned to the pre-reseal and resealing programmes.

23. Water and Drainage

23.1 Vogel Street Stormwater & Watermain Replacement

Work is nearing completion on the Vogel Street stormwater and watermain replacement project being completed prior to an NZTA rehabilitation taking place. Completion is expected late March.

23.2 Bengston Street Sewer Replacement

Work has been completed on the Bengston St sewer replacement project. Work involved 30m of new 150mm sewer main including associated 1050mm diamanhole replacement, 4 x sewer lateral replacements and a potable water connection to service a new property at 19 Bengston St.

23.3 Huxley Street Sewer Main Repair

Work has been completed on the sewer main repair on Huxley St. Work consisted of 18m of 225mm dia PVC sewer main replacement and associated 1050mm dia manhole replacement. Replacement of existing steel sleeve pipe through box culvert was undertaken due to the badly corroded pipe leaching into the road side drain.

23.4 Hospital Street Sewer Renewal

Work is now underway on the sewer main renewal on Hospital St due to the ongoing issue with blocked pipes. TDC staff have been regularly flushing this pipe to maintain service. CCTV of pipe showed the existing pipe was in poor condition with a very flat grade. Work involved includes 125m of 150mm sewer main replacement, two 1050mm manholes and 10 sewer lateral replacements

Hospital St Sewer Main Replacement

23.5 Woodville Hall Car Park

The Woodville hall car park and recycling centre drainage and pavement construction is nearing completion and sealing is expected to be completed in mid-March. There have been some problems working around the existing services, which has led to the project taking longer than expected.

24. Pavement Rehabilitations

24.1 Umutaoroa Rd – Site 1

Sealing has now been completed on the first 1km of Umutaoroa Rd, with the last 500m booked in to seal on 30 March 2015.

Umutaoroa Prior to Construction

Umutaoroa Post Construction

The remainder of the site (1138m) is largely complete, with some driveways left to be sealed.

24.2 Umutaoroa Rd – Site 2

Drainage crews have started stripping the water tables on the second rehab site of Umutaoroa. Shoulder widening will start on this site next week to get it ready for the stabilising team coming down 23 March 2015.

24.3 Ruahine St

The 370m long dig out has now been completed with the pavement work underway at present. All the excavated fill material was utilised on the Umutaoroa Rd site to reduce the amount of imported fill required for this site.

Due to the current pavement being unsuitable for stabilising, one lane has had the pavement layer removed. Initially, a 350mm digout was proposed but this has increased to 450mm in some areas due to soft subgrade material.

Ruahine St Pavement Excavation

24.4 Mangaone Valley

This AWPT site has now been sealed. Once the sweeping and line marking has been complete this road will be opened back up to full use.

Mangaone Valley Road Prior to Construction

Mangaone Valley Road Post Construction

25. Saddle Road Upgrade

Site 1 has now been fully completed and we are getting very good feedback from the day-to-day road users.

The pavement crew is still working on site 6. The subbase pavement is now in place and the kerb and channel has been completed. Basecourse is starting to be constructed and should be completed within the next two weeks.

Site 1 – Before and After

The temporary road closure that was programmed for Sunday, 8 March to allow for the removal of the existing bridge near Cook Rd needed to be postponed due to the weather forecast predicting heavy rain on the Saturday evening prior. Our Horizons consent conditions specified we were to have at least four days of fine weather forecasted prior to starting the work. We are currently working with Stringfellows on a new date/methodology to complete this work.

Precision Earthworks (subcontractor to Stringfellows) has also now completed the last of the tie back retaining walls. Wall 3 was just over 56m long, 2.5m high and the piles needed to be driven a minimum 4.0m into the ground. This section will now be overlaid with basecourse to correct the shape and provide a more even surface.

Tie back Retaining wall 3 – 9m piles being driven into the ground 4m-4.5m

Tie back Retaining wall 3 – Piles in place, some reaching refusal before 4.0m

Stringfellows are now well underway on the earthworks for Site 5. The cut area at the top end is almost down to level and the batters are currently being trimmed. The fill site is progressing well with approximately 40% of the fill material in place. The stumps are now being removed from the lower section of Site 5. Once this area has been cleared, batter pegs will be placed and earthworks will start.

Site 5 looking towards Ashhurst – Fill area with approximately 15m still to go.

Site 3 (on the Ashhurst side of Cook Rd) has also had the trees removed from the inside of the corner. This area will later be filled and the alignment moved across to provide a smoother curve and an uphill slow vehicle bay.

Performance

26. Performance Framework KRAs and KPIs

The Alliance performance framework has been completed and measures are currently being put into place as part of the Alliance set up. The Alliance will begin reporting on each of its KRAs and KPIs in June 2015.

27. Financial Performance

The Alliance is in the process of finalising the Target Cost Estimate for the remaining six months of the financial year. The target cost estimate will be aligned with the NZTA budget to ensure that this is maximised for the remainder of the year.

The following are the financial graphs for the key activities showing spend to date versus budget:

As expected the majority of the budget will be spent over the summer construction period to ensure that we are completing the work at the right time of the year. The pavement rehabilitations and reseal programmes will consume a large portion of the budget from March 2015 through until May 2015.

The majority of the sealed pavement maintenance budget is centred on the pre-reseal repairs for the 2014/2015 reseal programme. This budget is currently overspent due to the amount of pre-reseal repairs required, however money will be shifted from other categories to offset this.

2014/2015 Rehabilitations will be undertaken between January and April with the target of completing all rehabilitations before May 2015. Work will begin on identifying and designing the 2015/2016 rehabilitation sites in June 2015.

The reseal sites have been confirmed and identified with seal designs also completed. Sealing chip is beginning to be stockpiled throughout the district and the resealing is expected to begin in March 2015, with a completion date of end of April 2015.

Minor safety sites have been identified and are currently in design stage. Work on these sites is expected to start in March 2015 with completion in June 2015. These projects are less dependent on adverse weather so are programmed for later in the season.

28. Rework/Opportunities for Improvement

Several complaints have been raised in regards to litter and street sweeping. A solution for this is underway with the addition of specific new staff to undertake this work. The street sweeper is now booked to undertake cyclic work within the district three days per week and will be constantly reviewed to ensure the Alliance is reaching the desired level of service.

29. Depots, Plant and Equipment

29.1 Plant and Equipment

The Alliance has taken possession of the first two 6x4 tipper Hino 580 Euro 5 trucks that are towing the bottom dump trailers. These trucks are the first 6x4’s to go into the Downer fleet that are fitted with the latest emission control system. The Alliance has also taken possession of a new four-axle transport trailer. With these three new plant items the Alliance can release three older units, which will assist to keep a modern fleet.

29.2 RT’s and Communication

The Mt Butters land use agreement has now been finalised and will be signed in March for the southern RT repeater. Once this has been signed the repeater will be installed giving coverage to all of the Tararua network.

Assets Group

30. General

March has been another crazy month. A lot of time has been spent dealing with water issues due to the low river flows in the region. Water restrictions remain in place.

The asset management plans are in the process of being updated to reflect the infrastructure strategy and the draft LTP. The plans contain the detail for investment and management of each group of assets for the next three years. The plan will be adopted as part of the LTP process.

The group is supervising a number of capital works programmes at present, across a range of activities. The water and wastewater pipe replacement programme has begun with the Alliance having a dedicated team in place to enable Council to move smoothly from one job to another. This programme will continue for many months to come. Preparations for the 100-year ANZAC day celebrations have also begun in the Dannevirke domain and in the cemeteries.

Solid Waste

31 Pahiatua Recycling Centre

The draft plans have been received, and officers are awaiting some minor changes to the plans before an estimate of costs is produced.

Utilities

32. Water

32.1 Dannevirke

There have been continuing issues with the Dannevirke water supply. The flow from the impounded supply down to the reservoir, has proved to be insufficient to keep the reservoir topped up when water use in the town is high and the river take is cut back due to low river flows. A pump has been put in place to assist the flow. Fortunately the wetter weather has meant that the river flow has been adequate to take the maximum amount of water allowed under the consent conditions. The flow issue will be resolved when the treatment facility is built later this year.

32.2 Woodville

The hot weather has made treatment of the water supply in Woodville very challenging. The river flow has been low and very little water is able to be drawn from the river. There is an algae bloom in the dam, and so the filters are having to work hard to remove the particular matter from the water. This re-emphasises the need for more suitable water storage in Woodville.

32.3 Pahiatua Bore

The pilot bore failed to find water at a suitable flow rate at the depth the seismic electric survey predicted. The consultant has been asked to ascertain all viable options to address the water needs of the community, including drilling a second bore into the existing aquifer. This report, with an officer recommendation, will be presented to Council prior to the final LTP discussions.

33. Wastewater

33.1 Resource Consents

Work is continuing on the Norsewood, Pahiatua, Woodville and Eketahuna consents. Eketahuna is on track to be completed by 31 March and the other three will be completed by 30 May 2015. We are working closely with Horizons to ensure that all four consents are able to be notified before the end of June 2015.

33.2 MfE Projects – Dannevirke

The de-sludging of No.2 pond is all but complete, and relining is about to begin. Once the pond has been relined, the process of powering the level in pond one can begin. Pond one will be by-passed.

33.3 Pahiatua and Woodville

At the time of writing, the drum screens that we have been waiting on have finally docked at Auckland. The ship got delayed in Singapore. Council staff are currently awaiting a phone call for confirmation of delivery. It is expected that these will be another week away so long as there are no more hold ups.

It is critical that the drum screens are up and running as soon as possible, as once they are in place we can begin monitoring the impact on the effluent quality and use this to support consent applications at these sites, and other sites where they will be installed in the future.

Property

34. Housing for the Elderly

34.1 Occupancy

84 flats are presently occupied, there are currently eight vacant flats, which are:

Hovding Court, Dannevirke	3 flats vacant	182, 213, 360 days
Aften Court, Dannevirke	1 flat vacant	90 days (to be tenanted in March)
Elsinore Court, Dannevirke	2 flats vacant	134, 90 days (tenants interested in both flats)
Centennial Flats, Woodville	1 flat vacant	80 days (tenanted 5 March 2015)
Ruahine Flats, Woodville	1 flat vacant	80 days (flat being redecorated, tenant waiting to go in)

Council staff are currently reviewing the tenant waiting list to ascertain how many tenants (that meet all Council’s criteria) are still waiting for a unit. Shortly all tenants will be sent a letter outlining Council’s preferred Draft LTP option to sell its housing portfolio to a suitable social housing provider. This will enable the tenants to be informed before the Draft LTP consultation period begins.

35. Camping Grounds

Bookings for the district camping grounds in February 2015 were:

Dannevirke 400

Eketahuna 404

Pahiatua 454

Woodville 85

The Dannevirke caretaker’s house is almost complete, and the new office/manager’s kitchen/carport will begin shortly.

36. Swimming Pools

36.1 District

All the pools are operating well. Woodville is closing on 15 March 2015 and Eketahuna and Pahiatua will close on 22 March 2015. All pools have had a very good season.

37. Parks and Reserves

37.1 Dannevirke Domain

A plan has been drawn up to revamp some of the garden areas. The contractors will commence on 16 March 2015, by removing old plants and self-seeded trees and shrubs from the main border. This will then be replanted with more suitable species. The work is on target to be completed before ANZAC Day.

37.2 Bush Multi Sports Complex

Drainage to replace the damaged storm water drain running from east to west is underway. It is hoped to be completed by 20 March 2015.

38. Domain Boards

38.1 Victoria Park, Leith Road, Woodville

The Licence to Occupy has been issued to the previous Licensee, Mr Cooper.

38.2 Mangamutu Domain

No submissions on the proposal to lease the Domain were received before the close of the submission period. Eight tenders were received for the lease of the Domain, and the board has made a recommendation to Council, which will be considered as the subject of a report to a future meeting.

Strategy and District Development

39. Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority - Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding has been developed by the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority with a number of councils in the region. It sets out the roles, responsibilities and opportunities to work together to improve energy use by councils.

Particular subsidies exist for councils and the focus of support is for operational support rather than capital project costs.

These include:

· Monitoring and targeting systems

· Lighting upgrades

· Audits

Monitoring and targeting systems that consist of hardware (meters) and software that tracks real-time energy use data from across an organisation, including key systems such as ventilation and air conditioning, lighting and heating. Users can easily spot anomalies and make adjustments (e.g. equipment not working properly or behavioural issues such as equipment or systems being left on unnecessarily). Energy savings of up to 20% are generally available. Many of the improvements identified are likely to be low or no cost to implement.

EECA’s funding covers both expert advice (system choice, implementation, and setting energy targets) and the system (both hardware (meters) and software, to enable real-time monitoring of all energy used – including heating, cooling and ventilation as well as lighting, equipment and hot water).

EECA funding ($)	Up to $100,000
EECA funding (%)	Up to 40% of the cost of the system, up to 20% of the business energy spend
Qualification	No minimum size site
Resources	EECA guide on monitoring & targeting Software guide ASB case study

Lighting upgrades

Includes capital funding for lighting upgrades. Lighting is one of the biggest areas for potential energy savings, there is potential to save between 40% and 75% of your energy costs associated with lighting.

EECA funding ($)	Up to $50,000
EECA funding (%)	Up to 20% of the cost of the upgrade
Qualification	No minimum size site
Resources	Lighting assessment tool World Vision case study Auckland Airport case study

Audits (including site audits)

Basic audit: Report to identify and broadly quantify energy efficiency opportunities in the selected technology areas/at the selected site. Energy audit complying with AS/NZSS 3598 Level 1.

Level 2 or 3 audit: Report analysing energy efficiency opportunities in the selected technology area/at the selected site to an accuracy level that will support an investment decision. Energy audit complying with AS/NZS 3598 Level 2 or Level 3.

EECA funding ($)	Up to $20,000 for level 2 or 3 Up to $2,400 for a basic
EECA funding (%)	Up to 40% of the cost of a level 2 or 3 audit Up to 100% of a basic audit
Qualification	No minimum size site
Resources	Commercial buildings audit standard attached

40. New Rural Broadband Initiative

The Government has announced plans to subsidise an extension of the Rural Broadband Initiative with an extra $100 million to be funded from the telecommunication industry levy.

Councils have been asked to help provide business cases for extending fibre and how, as a council, we can assist such as through allowing consents, providing access to land or unused ducts, and any Council funding etc.

The amount of money in the fund is not going to go very far and will be made available as a grant to the successful bidding telecommunication company.

Applications must be completed and to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment by 3 July 2015.

41. CCTV Cameras

ThecCamera footage is being used successfully to assist Police with serious crimes in the district. Central Command in Palmerston North is working with MW LASS on also accessing all the cameras already in operation across the Region.

A camera in Dannevirke was recently vandalised and Police are investigating the complaint. New low-cost cameras of one of the brands we use are now just available at even better quality. The last few cameras in Dannevirke funded from community donations and sponsorship are about to be installed. A maintenance programme to keep the cameras clean and free of spider webs(!) is now required.

Trees have been trimmed in the Dannevirke township and the Upper Domain and this is assisting with clear vantage points.

Woodville Districts’ Vision is preparing for a further grant application on a Woodville System.

42. Pongaroa Water Treatment Upgrade

We have received confirmation that the Ministry of Health has received Council’s application for a capital grant to meet Ministry of Health guidelines for potable water for the Pongaroa Township.

The Water Safety Plan was also completed and a review with feedback provided to Council by MidCentral Health.

We will not know the outcome of the application until approximately September 2015. However, we will now commence engaging with the Pongaroa and wider community for their views on the options.

43. Oringi Tararua Alliance Lease

A lease between Scanpower and Council has now been completed at the Oringi Business Park for the Tararua Alliance. This is at the budgeted cost of $95,000 p.a. and includes closed storage, office space, access ways and secure parking areas. This lease covers a ten-year period with Council being the tenant from I July 2015 to I July 2025. The lease provides for the ability to assign or sublease the site upon approval from Scanpower. Future variations to the lease, if any and when they arise, may be considered and agreed to in writing where negotiated in good faith and mutually agreed by both parties.

Further work will be completed on a business case for improved internet connectivity. Physical fit-out works are required to take place for bare office space. The collaboration with Scanpower is exciting and great synergy is expected in being able to closely co-ordinate or work jointly on projects.

44. Advanced Notice of Trade Waste Consent Application

A new business is considering options to establish a manufacturing operation at the Oringi Business Park. Council’s 2005 Trade Waste Bylaw classifies waste discharges as one of the following types:

(a) Permitted;

(b) Conditional (consent required); or

A request has been received to confirm what level of pre-treatment Council would require to accept the waste streams of biological matter.

Council is able to provide a conditional consent on a similar basis to that set out in the permitted standards in the Bylaw, adjusted for a larger volume than the permitted 5 cubic metres per day, the speed of blending the waste stream into the Dannevirke pond and the level of dissolved nitrogen.

There are many remedies provided for in the Bylaw for breaches and testing will be undertaken to confirm impacts and proper management. The pre-treatment will at a similar basis to that required of other consent holders with the applicable fees set out in the standard Council Fees and Charges.

45. Tararua Aquatic Community Trust

The Tararua Aquatic Community is actively working to upgrade the services and operations of the pool.

There will be physical changes to the complex as well as operations. Within the next 12 months the reception area will be moved to where the lockers are so staff can supervise the pool more easily. A spa pool will be put in the present reception area to cater for different groups like the elderly and people with sports injuries.

Core to this development is the adoption of the NZ Recreation Association “Pool Safe Standard” which covers everything to do with health and safety including water quality, staff management, operations and public interaction.

It is noted that the proposed changes to occupational health and safety law and best practice pool safety are adding to the pressure of running pools.

46. Vanuatu and Cyclone Pam

The Chief Executive and Manager of Strategy and District Development wish to express their shock and sadness for the people of Vanuatu following Cyclone Pam. Both Blair King and Peter Wimsett have had a close working relationship with a number of people in Vanuatu while on assignment to the Country for the New Zealand Government and Local Government New Zealand. It was one of the most powerful storms ever to occur in the world.

It has been a concerning anomaly that large areas of the Pacific Ocean have been experiencing very warm sea temperatures to greater depths between the Solomon’s and Fiji and across the equator. A large area of Ocean is now above 30 degrees Celsius to a depth of up to 100m below the surface. It is high energy in oceans that drive humidity and storm intensity.

47. Joint and Several Liability

In January 2013, Council approved a submission to the Law Commission opposing their position for continuation of the NZ legal principle of “joint and several liability”, where the “last man standing” might take all the responsibility for a wrong committed on a third party.

The 18 page Council submission recommended:

· Tararua District Council supports development of a Hybrid model for New Zealand.

· We agree that innocent parties should be able to efficiently recover losses from the parties that caused those losses.

· It is our view that the law should be equitable and avoid treating people harshly. It is not able to achieve this under the current Rule of Law.

· It is therefore inadequate for the Law Commission to maintain the status quo and retain Joint and Several Liability, when there are major weaknesses in its application and known ways to improve natural justice.

· We note that the Civil Court process to assign losses against one or more defendants can lead to a perverse result where the loss is greater than one party may have created.

· This is one outcome where cases involve defendants that have ‘deep pockets’ and who are the ‘last man standing’.

· We note that the Courts already use proportional liability in employment cases, which are also heard in the Civil Courts.

· Joint and Several Liability has not been successful in protecting plaintiffs from losses. This needs to be addressed too.

· There are a number of new areas that have arisen subsequent to the last review by the Law Society.

Following the consultation, The Law Commission agreed to review their initial position.

MBIE is now working to explore the value and potential impact of the Law Commission’s recommendations for modifications to the way in which the joint and several liability regime functions in the building sector.

Determining the best way to address some of the issues around joint and several liability is a Ministerial priority and MBIE’s aim is to provide advice to the Minister for Building and Housing towards the middle of the year.

The next stage of MBIE’s work is to understand more about the behaviours that the liability regime incentivises, and combine that with the data that we have collated to build a picture of the impact, if any, on efficiency within the building sector.

A Sector Reference Group has now been established to support the policy development process by testing and challenging MBIE’s emerging advice. Membership is representative of a cross-section of the sector and includes organisations working in areas relevant to the specific recommendations made by the Law Commission. Members of the Sector Reference Group, including Local Government New Zealand, have been encouraged to consult and discuss with their membership and stakeholders to inform their feedback to MBIE.

48. Iwi Liaison Working Party

The Iwi Liaison Working Party, consisting of Councillors Warren Davidson, Chair, Councillors Tracey Collis and David Roberts, and Peter Wimsett, Manager Strategy and District Development, met for the first time with senior representatives of the Rangitane Iwi on 11 March 2015.

The purpose and hope of the meetings is to increase the engagement between Council and Iwi and, in particular, have clarity with regards to Council's statutory processes:-

· RMA and planning documents

· Cultural Values Assessments

· Significance/engagement - who/how/when/extent

In addition to the statutory requirements, the committee intends to have regular meetings for the purpose of providing a forum for parties to raise any topical issues.

49. Information Technology

A number of Alliance staff have now been provided access and given initial training to Council’s internal system via “the cloud”.

In the meantime, the IT Team are busy preparing for a major upgrade to the Civica Authority system with testing occurring across the staff and “module champions” nearing completion. There have been no significant issues encountered during testing and we are on target to “Go-Live” in the next few weeks.

Economic Development, Marketing and Communications

Economic Development

50. business|potential

50.1 Business Support

· Continuing to assist a new business in Dannevirke with branding concepts and tools for skill development

· International company visited the Business Hub to view the facilities and services available

· Continuing to assist an existing business in Woodville with a new branding concept

· Support provided for an existing business in Woodville – session doing a SWOT analysis

· Support provided for a new business enquiry in Dannevirke – statistics and brainstorming ideas

· Connected a couple of businesses in Woodville & Dannevirke – shared skills for product development

One of our first businesses in the Incubation Office is Head Above the Crowd Consulting, now operating full time at the Business Hub. The incubation office will be offered to this new business for a 3-month period to enable them to link to support locally and nationally. The aspiration of Head Above the Crowd Consulting is for all businesses in Tararua to have an on-line presence, whether it is Facebook business pages - modern and cost effective website or using social media marketing. As well as providing an essential service to businesses in our district, the business will benefit from the connections and support available at the Business Hub.

50.2 Training Opportunities:

Collaborative Training Initiative – Another meeting of this group is scheduled for mid March.

Programme of Seminars/Workshops - Discussions and meetings held with training providers to develop a programme of workshops available at the Tararua Business Hub. These will commence in April:

· IRD – a quarterly programme of workshops starting with ‘Introduction to Business’ which is focused at those starting a new business, and followed by a hands-on interactive GST workshop. Both workshops will be held on a morning, are free of charge and available to all businesses in the district.

· BCC – their programme will start with an evening workshop, introducing what they do, teaching lean methodologies and covering a suggested business model.

· DMG – help small businesses develop, manage and grow by providing lunchbox learning workshops every month at our Business Hub. This will start with an introduction to their business and an insightful overview of the seven workshops that are available.

Lianne and Louise attended a NZQA Assessor training day and have an assessment process to complete over the next couple of months. They will be able to assist businesses to develop staff in obtaining New Zealand Qualifications Authority certification, which in turn should provide increased capability for our district and a tool for Council employees.

Training Programme for April at the Tararua Business Hub Seminar Room

April 21 DMG - Introduction to their business (Lunchbox Learning)

April 29 IRD - Introduction to business seminar (Morning Workshop)

April 30 BCC - Innovate Model (Evening Workshop)

51. Innovate 2015

Following a very successful 2014 campaign Council is again supporting Innovate 2015. We will be promoting the competition around the district, with the help of the Innovate Team. There is huge potential in our district to develop the number 8 wire thinking into a real, tangible business and this could be the opportunity people need.

Communication

52. Long Term Plan

The Long Term Plan process is well underway. We had our second well-attended stakeholder meeting on Wednesday 11 March; at which we presented the Long Term Plan process and facilitated discussion on the subjects set out in the draft plan.

The first notice on the Council page in the Bush Telegraph -

We will communicate with the public through the Council page in the Bush Telegraph each week and via the Council website.

53. Website: Tararua District Council

The independent review of our Tararua District Council website has been completed. The results indicate that there are numerous ways in which we can improve our website – due to the extensive nature of the changes this project will span over several months.

The recommended changes will improve efficiency and functionality of our website, as well as ensure the information on every page is relevant and useful.

Here is a sneak preview…

From this… To this…

54. Facebook

Facebook continues to prove a useful (and surprising) tool - following the success of posting the first video of six in the Tararua Country ‘Why we call it home…’ series (starring Garth Hewitt); we recently posted the second video (starring Sandy King). Although this video did not receive as many views as the one of Garth, it did go global in 43-minutes!

55. Community/Events Assistance

We have been prioritising our Events Strategy and pushing to elevate the standard of local events. Below is a table of community events and assistance provided:

EVENT	ASSISTANCE PROVIDED	OTHER (printing etc)
Woodfest	Provided printing for Woodville Woodfest	250 x A4 poster (one-sided), 700 x A4 Leaflets (one-sided). 300 x A4 Flyer (one-sided). 120 x A3 Parking Signs (one-sided). 500 x Programmes / Maps A4 (two-sided).
Kumeroa Dog Trials	Supplied with Tararua Country marquee and assisted with event programme alterations/printing	300 x A4 programmes (two-sided)
Girl Guides	Provided printing for guide biscuit sales	8 x A4 posters (one-sided)
Coastal Pursuit	Rebrand the event and create new poster, registration form and information documents. Contacted Country Calendar to seek out the possibility of filming the event.
Dannevegas Footy Fest 2015	Convert SVG format logo to AI format. Recreated banner in InDesign from file provided.	1 x 609x2500mm colour banner

56. Future Events for March/April

56.1 Wednesday 18 March

The Tararua Business Hub is this month’s host for the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce “after five”. We will be presenting the Dannevirke Chamber members with an update on the Business Hub and introducing the Bio Commerce Centre and their initiatives for the district.

56.2 Tuesday 14 April

Provincial Matters

Rural Conference to be held on Tuesday 14 April at the Dannevirke Hub, Gordon Street. To book on line: www.provincialmatters.co.nz

56.3 Thursday 30 April

Bio Commerce Centre Introduction & Outline Business Model for Start-Ups

Marketing

57. Central Districts Field Days

We attended the Central Districts Field Days with a completely new and innovate concept for our site – this concept works in with our vision for the Long Term Plan – “Living Well in Tararua - it’s more than just a promise”.

The focus for our site this year was the lifestyle opportunities in Tararua. Affordable housing, country living and the best outdoor recreations - including, hunting, tramping, cycling, fishing and our undiscovered coastline. The GO! Project was also profiled highlighting this cropping initiative.

Apart from Horizons, we are still the only Council setting up at the Fieldays and this is bringing a great profile to the district of Tararua.

Our service over these days was utilised by motorhome owners, educational providers, Scout and Guide Leaders, retirees, day-trippers and people seeking weekend getaways. We also had visitors from both New Zealand and Australia considering a country change of lifestyle. We had a large visitor base from our ratepayers in Tararua who were very impressed with our attendance and promotion. Additionally, to promote this site we had Kelvin from Ezy-Rider greeting visitors at the main gates and directing them to our site.

Tararua i-SITE

58. Welcome Packs

There were only 2 packs sent out during February.

59. Tararua Information Centre’s Volunteer / Staff training

There has been poor response for training for Information Centre staff. One session was attended from a volunteer at Pahiatua Information Centre and time was spent at the i-SITE. Further training has been given to two volunteers from Pahiatua who spent time at the i-SITE, with training to be scheduled for Eketahuna Information Centre volunteers in the future once a new Co-ordinator is appointed.

Training with Pahiatua Information Centre volunteers will recommence in their new building once they are settled.

60. Rack cards

New rack cards were designed and printed for Bettina’s Homestay and The Vikings Haul. Reprints of four other operator cards were also organised.

61. Tourism Business BBQ

There was a good turnout for the Tourism Tararua BBQ with everyone enjoying John Priest’s stories behind his beautiful handcrafted jewellery.

62. Qualmark Report

The i-SITE Qualmark Endorsement evaluation was held on 25 February 2015. This is Tourism New Zealand’s quality assurance brand and all
i-SITE’S are assessed every two years. The assessment process ensures that the i-SITE NZ standards and criteria are met by each centre. The Tararua i-SITE achieved an 86 % pass (83% in 2013). The Assessor was very impressed with the new mural and hut installed in the i-SITE but mentioned that the carpet was very worn.

Qualmark Evaluation

63. Facebook ‘Likes’

64. Tararua Information Centres Statistics

2014/2015

February 2015

	February 2015	February 2014
Local	1,507	1,669
NZ	997	1,189
Overseas	709	870

Regulatory

65. Alcohol Licensing

66. Animal Control

February has been a busy month for animal control; Meggyn Bamford has joined the team and comes to us with a background in animal welfare and prosecutions from the SPCA. Meggyn has had a busy couple of weeks learning how we do things day to day and has fitted into the Regulatory team very well. We have now completed the siting of the unregistered dogs and started the process of infringements and dog seizures.

67. Building

During the month of February 2015, 18 building consents were issued, the total value being $1,296,841. The highest value was $750,000 for internal alterations and seismic strengthening at the Fonterra plant in Pahiatua. We also issued 31 Code Compliance Certificates; these were all within our statutory time of 20 working days.

We are still receiving a few consent applications for fires, and it is great to see people getting these in before the winter sets upon us. One of these was for Dannevirke South School, we had been awaiting a producer statement from the engineer, so relief all-round that this was finally received.

68. General Inspection

February was another busy month with 39 CRMs coming in. These consisted of:

23 Illegal Dumping - of which 7 invoices were sent out.

4 Overhanging vegetation - of which all have been dealt with by the owners of the property concerned.

7 Urban Fire risk - these are given two weeks to comply, awaiting outcome on these.

2 Abandoned vehicles - both of which were removed by the owners.

1 Footpath obstructions - shop owner wrote in and requested permission which was granted temporarily until work on the building can be completed following the earthquake in Pahiatua.

1 Fire in no fire season - property was visited and owner informed of the fire ban and given a letter explaining the procedure to get a permit.

1 Dirty stock crossing - owner was sent a letter reminding him of the Bylaws relating to Dairy Cow Crossings in the Tararua District.

69. Health

Health Inspections completed for February.

69.1 Food

5 High Risk inspections

1 Low risk Inspections

1 Food Control Plan Audit

1 Enquiry – Farm gate sales and jam for sale at stalls

69.2 Other

1 Enquiry trading in public places

4 Nuisance complaints

A&P Show – inspections of food vendors. Focus on food handling, storage and hand hygiene.

69.3 School Swimming Pool Water Quality Monitoring

We commenced testing the water quality of school pools, with three undertaken in February. Advice given on swimming pool water quality management if required and follow up with results of microbiological testing sent to schools.

70. Regulatory Restructure

On the 20 February, we asked the Regulatory services administration team to provide submissions on a proposed General Inspection review and administration restructure for Regulatory Services.

WHY IS CHANGE NECESSARY?

The status quo of separate roles being trained in separate areas of Regulatory Services administration with little back up support between the roles means that often we are unable to provide the level of customer service that is expected of us. For example, when an officer is unavailable to answer a specific query related to their area of expertise, then the customer is not able to receive a response in the timeframe that they require.

Submissions close 8am Friday 13 February, the Chief Executive, the Human Resource Manager and Regulatory Manager will then consider the submissions. After we have considered the submissions, we will have a series of interviews. These will take place on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 March; when these interviews have been completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome by Friday 20 March.

Emergency Management

Rural Fire

71. Fire Season General

The Fire Season is officially over as the indexes return to normal. We have had a great season with no major incidents. Farmers were generally happy with permits issued in a timely fashion and a number of significant controlled burns were approved and conducted safely. Of particular note this season was the increased number of farmers who sought advice from our Rural Fire Officers before lighting up. The message is out there, “if you light a fire and it gets away on you, are responsible for fire fighting costs and damage”.

72. Incident Reports

*NRFA Classification Type*	*Jul*	*Aug*	*Sep*	*Oct*	*Nov*	*Dec*	*Jan*	*Feb*	*Mar*	*Apr*	*May*	*Jun*	*Total*
Power Lines	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0				2
Vehicle - Car, Truck etc.	1	0	3	1	1	1	1	0	0				8
Farm/Forest Machinery	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0				1
Camp fires/bonfires/rubbish fires	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	1				4
Smokers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0				0
Land clearing escaped - Open Fire Season	0	0	1	2	4	1	1	4	3				16
Land clearing escaped - Restricted/ Prohibited Fire Season (no Fire Permit)	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	0				3
Structural - House/Shed	3	1	1	1	1	0	1	2	0				10
Pyrotechnics Fireworks	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0				0
False Alarm	0	0	0	2	0	2	4	4	4				16
Medical Assist	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0				0
Motor Vehicle Accident	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0				1
Miscellaneous	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0				2
*Total*	7	1	5	8	7	4	10	13	8				63

73. Meetings

Paddy attended the Lower North Island Enlarged Rural Fire District Committee Meeting in Palmerston North on 25 February 2015.

74. Equipment

All Rural Fire signage has been retrieved, cleaned and stowed for next season.

The upgrade of the Tiraumea Rural Fire station was completed 18/02/2015. A great project with much of the labour provided by the community.

The Weber pager repeater received a complete overhaul on 26/02/2015

Civil Defence

75. Incidents

Cyclone Pam proved to be a minor event in the Tararua. Some erosion damage was experienced at Akitio along with debris spread across the road. This was not significant enough to warrant a Civil Defence response and was dealt with via the Alliance.

76. Meetings

Paddy attended a meeting at the Pongaroa School to discuss CD preparedness with the principal and teachers on 4 March 2015.

Paddy attended a public meeting at the new Totara College CD Centre on 9 March 2015. The meeting was aimed at attracting more volunteers to help at the Centre. About 15 persons attended.

77. Civil Defence Plans/Standard Operating Procedures/Manuals

With the fire season out of the way, work has recommenced on finalising the District Welfare Manual.

78. Seminars/Workshops/Courses/Forums/Training

Paddy participated in the Group Plan workshop in Palmerston North on 6 March 2015.

Paddy attended a Sharepoint course in Palmerston North on 12 and 19 March 2015. This training relates to the background information required to assist with the preparation of the new Emergency Management Information Management System (EMIS) training. It is hoped to roll out this training to Council Staff commencing in May 2015.

Paddy is currently working on setting up the new Civil Defence Foundation training course. This is a 4-hour course that is designed for all persons involved in Civil Defence. It covers the new Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) and other basic aspects of CD. It will involve all Council staff and community groups and will commence in April 2015.

Paddy provided radio training for Council staff member Jade Dittmer and CD Volunteers Martyn and Adrianne Preece to run the School CD Centre radio schedule from the Pahiatua Office. This was carried out by Hutia Gardiner who has since resigned.

79. Manfield Field Days

Paddy worked with the Group Civil Defence display at the Field Days on 13 March 2015.

Library

80. General

The Collection Management of the DVD, Magazine and Large Print collections took place in February. Old outdated stock was deleted prior to the stocktake taking place during March. Library staff completed preparations for the stocktake at each branch.

Woodville Library has reported an increase in customers seeking advice for preparing their CV’s using the APNK computers.

81. Children’s Services

Little Ears, the successful preschool programme run out of Dannevirke Library rolled out to the Pahiatua and Woodville libraries. This half hour, weekly programme will rotate amongst the three branches using the same programme materials. To date, participation at Woodville Library has been very pleasing with an average of 19 children attending each week (during the same period, Dannevirke has averaged 18). Participation at Pahiatua has been less, however the programme is being promoted to the community and numbers are expected to grow with time.

February saw the completion of the Summer Reading Programme; this includes sending statistics back to the organising committee and receiving back evaluation forms from the parents of the children who participated. Below is a sample of the feedback received:

The iRead programme (year 7/8) ran a competition to win an iPod for the E C Reading territory (Gisborne – Masterton). The winner was Jacob Flannery who participated in the programme through our Eketahuna Branch. Congratulations Jacob.

The Eastern & Central Community Trust Summer Reading Programme funds a staff member from each branch to attend the EC Reading Conference. Staff from all four branches attended this conference held in Palmerston North. The two day programmes features speakers and enables networking for librarians participating in these programmes.

Planning is already underway for the Winter Warmers programme held in June/July. Library staff have contacted schools in their area to see if they wish to sign up for the programme.

82. Library Statistics – as at 28 February 2015

Customer Services

83. General

It has been a steady month for frontline staff with the third instalment of rates due on 28 February 2015.

February also saw the departure of Hutia Gardiner who resigned to enable more time with her family in Gisborne. Hutia had become a part of the furniture in Pahiatua after 25 years with TDC; we thank Hutia for all of her effort and time spent with TDC.

It was a natural progression for Hayley Pocock to take a side step into the full time role after 5 years of service on the frontline. I am confident that Hayley’s knowledge and experience will stand her in good stead going forward – congrats to Hayley!

We have also been lucky enough to fill Hayley’s part-time role internally with Jade Dittmer who was previously with the Marketing Team. Jade gained some great experience and mentoring from Lianne and her team and we are very happy to benefit from this. There is a lot to learn on the frontline and Jade has taken to it swimmingly, soaking up all that we are throwing at her. Thanks goes out to everyone for their always helpful guidance and support whilst Jade goes through a learning phase.

84. Woodville Library & Service Centre

Nineteen months have lapsed since the library and service centre amalgamation and staff continue to work in less than ideal conditions. Sue Ladd, Raewyn Murray and Leilani Gundry have made the very best out of an inadequate working space and we would like to acknowledge their continued efforts and high spirits.

85. Statistics

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We were not able to retrieve data for the Pahiatua Service Centre relating to the last two weeks of February. March data is coming through.

86. 508 Customer Requests – 1 February 2015 to 28 February 2015

Sport and Recreation

87. Tararua District

· A more targeted approach will be taken with the Sport NZ Club WoF that Sport Manawatu delivers. The process will ensure that the follow up work from the initial WoF will be undertaken, and an impact will be made. Clubs already locked in include Bush Rugby Club.

· The Active Transport Coordinator delivered Introductory Cycle Skills and On Road Training to 15 Whanau Tri Programme participants in Dannevirke.

· The Tararua Social 7’s competition has been postponed due to feedback from stakeholders around the timing of the event. There is a survey going out asking stakeholders regarding when they think would be the best time to run the event. A positive outcome from this has been the development of a 15-a-side women’s rugby team for Aotea Sports Club that will compete in the 2015 season.

· A SportStart Full Day Teachers Workshop was delivered at Huia Range School for seven junior school teachers including one teacher from St Joseph’s School. Follow up teacher modelling sessions with both schools will be organised to occur in Term 1.

· The Secondary Schools Principals Group meeting was held on 10 February at Sport Manawatu. Representatives from Tararua College and Dannevirke High School were present at the meeting.

· Tararua Go by Bike Day held on Wednesday 25 February was a great success with 404 children from seven schools and three Early Childcare Centres taking part. This is a considerable increase in participation from last year’s event, which saw just over 100 children take part.

· In an effort to continue to grow knowledge, relationships and support, the Bush Multisport Administrator and the Tararua Recreation Advisor will be working from the Pahiatua office fortnightly commencing Thursday 26 February.

· Applications are now open for the Creative Communities Fund and close on Wednesday 1 April 2015. Information can be found on the Tararua District Council website.

· Applications are now open for the Sport New Zealand Tararua Rural Travel Fund and close on Tuesday 31 March 2015. Information can be found on the Tararua District Council website.

· The Māori Community Sport Advisor holds the Whanau Tri Training programme at the Wai Splash Aquatic Centre. The programme focuses on basic cycling classes, swimming lessons and interval fitness training sessions for participants. On average, we have 15 participants taking part each week.

88. Upcoming events (that we deliver or directly impact on)

· Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships – 1 March 2015

· Manawatu/Taranaki regional Tennis Zones Tournament – 5 March 2015

· Sir Gordon Tietjens Rugby 7’s, hosted by Palmerston North Boys High School – 14 March 2015

· Manawatu Inter Secondary School Swimming Championships -14 March 2015

· Manawatu Inter Secondary School Athletics, hosted by Palmerston North Boys High School – 21 March 2015

· Secondary Schools Principals Group Meeting – 24 March 2015 at Sport Manawatu

· Secondary School Ki o Rahi Regional Tournament – 27 March 2015

· North Island Secondary Schools Athletics – 28-29 March 2015

· The award winning Whanau Tri event takes place in Palmerston North at the Lido Aquatic Centre on Sunday 29 March. There are short, medium and long course options available and a Tamariki Tri for under 8 year olds. Entry is only $5 or $2 for Tamariki Tri. Registrations can be made on-line at www.sportmanwatu.org.nz/whanau

89. Sport Manawatu

The six-monthly reports concerning the activities of Sport Tararua and the Bush Multisport Trust are attached.

1. Recommendation

1.1 That the report from the Chief Executive dated 18 March 2015 concerning an update on key projects and items of interest to the Council (as circulated) be received.

Attachments

1 ⇩. Sport Tararua - Six Monthly Report to 31 December 2014

2 ⇩. Bush Multisport - Six monthly Report to 31 December 2014

9.1	Dannevirke Community Board
9.1.1	*That the report of the Dannevirke Community Board meeting held on 2 February 2015 (as circulated) be received.* Crs Keltie/Fenemor Carried
9.1.2	Dannevirke Upper Domain
9.1.2.1	The graffiti on the Viking ship in the playground has been removed.
9.1.3	Road Safety
9.1.3.1	Action has been taken to follow up the matter requested to improve road safety on the west side of High Street between Cole Street and the pedestrian crossing outside Huia Range School and opposite Robertshawe Crescent.

11.2	Staff Report
11.2.1	Visit from Audit New Zealand
11.2.1.1	The Chief Executive explained how the culture of an organisation can discourage fraud from occurring.
11.2.2	Review of the Dannevirke Water Loss
11.2.2.1	A review has taken place to consider what information would have been beneficial to identify earlier in the investigations the cause of this problem.
11.2.2.2	That process resulted in the following areas regarding the Asset Management Plan being identified as priorities to undertake over the next three years: · Updating of historical paper as-builts dating from the early 1950’s with the known details of valves and connections to ensure these are correctly and regularly maintained. · Adding additional flow meters to critical mains to enable the identification of such a blockage or valve failure earlier. In this case it was approximately two weeks before staff could identify where water was obstructed. · Providing an additional connection between the impounded supply and the mains feeding town to enable a higher flow rate from the impounded supply in emergency events.
11.2.2.3	The Chief Executive and the staff involved were thanked for tirelessly working to rectify the problem through removing the blockage from the water main below the number two reservoir.
11.2.2.4	The Chief Executive acknowledged the support of the Council in assisting to resolve this situation.
11.2.3	Tararua Alliance Works Programme
11.2.3.1	The implementation of the Tararua Alliance works programme is structured to get the work done at the right time of the year, hence the approach taken to determining the basis of its intended planning schedule.
11.2.4	Housing for the Elderly
11.2.4.1	It is proposed that the operational support to manage the Council’s housing for the elderly may be outsourced with the rental administration to continue as an in-house function.
11.2.5	Dannevirke Depot
11.2.5.1	A proposal has been received for the Dannevirke Depot, and the Council will be advised of the details following the closure of this meeting.
11.2.6	Eketahuna Camping Ground
11.2.6.1	The upgraded kitchen and toilet facilities at the Eketahuna Camping Ground were commended.
11.2.7	Events Within the District
11.2.7.1	The Danne-vegas to Herby 4 x 4 scenic trek was very successful, and the popularity of this annual event continues to be maintained and enjoyed by the participants.
11.2.7.2	It was noted and acknowledged that there are an excellent range of community events being held throughout the district.
11.2.8	Pahiatua Community Civil Defence Response Group
11.2.8.1	The Pahiatua Community Civil Defence Response Group is progressing the development of their plan.
11.2.9	*That the report from the Chief Executive dated 18 February 2015 concerning an update on key projects and items of interest to the Council (as circulated) be received.* *Crs Isaacson/Fenemor Carried*

12.1	South East Ruahine Scheme
12.1.1	Cr Roberts reported that the South East Ruahine Scheme is in a good state regarding its operation and finances.
12.1.2	This scheme has no debt and holds funding of $570,000 in its emergency reserve.
12.1.3	Jack Keast (Horizons Environmental Management Officer) made a presentation to the scheme’s meeting on the control and eradication of weeds, and his role is to build relationships with local landowners to assist in achieving this objective.
12.1.4	In that role Jack’s area covers the whole of the Tararua district from Norsewood to Mt Bruce and the ranges across to the coast.
12.1.5	This work involves a number of challenges, and in particular the sheer scale of Old Mans Beard infestations throughout the district and the control of pest plant weeds such as Field Horsetail and Yellow Bristle Grass.
12.2	One Plan
12.2.1	Cr Collis tabled a report concerning the district’s progress in complying with the implementation of the One Plan, and the actions being taken to achieve this objective.
12.2.2	Cr Collis noted that through an ongoing and evolving process with a collaborative approach the nitrogen reductions needed will be both workable and achievable, and farmers are moving forward to ensure the results provide the best environmental and economic outcomes.
12.3	Makahi-Mangatainoka Scheme
12.3.1	Cr Davidson reported that the Makahi-Mangatainoka Scheme works programme was behind its intended schedule due to the limited availability of rock and suitable contractors.
12.3.2	Cr Davidson noted that Jack Keast had also made a presentation to the scheme on the control and eradication of weeds.
12.4	Tararua Youth Offending Team
12.4.1	Cr Isaacson reported that through her appointments and portfolios she had attended the recent meeting of the Tararua Youth Offending team.

13.1	Driver Licence Training
13.1.1	The Mayor has been working on identifying appropriate options for providing driver licence training to those not covered by Tararua Community Youth Services.
13.1.2	The possibility of making this service available through the Tararua Learning Centre is under consideration as a suitable organisation to facilitate the delivery of a programme for this purpose.
13.2	Tararua Sportsperson of the Year Awards
13.2.1	The Downer New Zealand Limited/Tararua Alliance has agreed to provide sponsorship to support the Tararua Sportsperson of the Year Awards.

7.1	Wai Splash Community Pool (Item 3.2.1)
7.1.1	Board Member Christison has voluntarily given his assistance to the Tararua Aquatic Community Trust to clean up the weeds from the Wai Splash community pool guttering.
7.2	Dannevirke Christmas Parade (Item 3.3)
7.2.1	The Chairperson is to arrange a meeting with Suresh Patel from the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce to discuss the Chamber’s proposal to undertake the role of organising the Dannevirke Christmas Parade.
7.3	Locking of Railway Subway Gates (Item 13.1)
7.3.1	There was an occasion on one day where the railway subway gates were inadvertently not opened.
7.3.2	The Tararua Alliance Urban Roading Supervisor has followed up this matter to ensure that the gates are opened each day by the street cleaning crew at around 7.30 to 8.00 am.
7.3.3	The gates are closed every night by a security firm as part of their responsibilities separate from the opening arrangements.
7.3.4	As requested by the Board a sign is to be placed on the railway subway gates to indicate that they are opened and closed on a daily basis.

8.1	Dannevirke Upper Domain Toilet (Item 10.4)
8.1.1	That the Council notes the options for the Dannevirke Upper Domain toilet is not the subject of a specific question to be included on the submission form of the Draft Long Term Plan 2015/2025, and *That this project is covered in the other issues section of the Draft Long Term Plan as a matter for consultation with the community open to submissions.* Crs Fenemor/Collis Carried
8.2	Illegal Dumping (Item 10.6.3.1)
8.2.1	The General Inspector is following up incidents of illegal dumping in public places within the district, and where any offenders are identified they will be fined.
8.3	Recognition of Pahiatua as a Motorhome Friendly Town (Item 10.6.5)
8.3.1	Pahiatua is intended to be the next town within the district that motorhome friendly status will be applied for through the Motor Caravan Association.
8.3.2	This requires numerous conditions to be satisfied, including the provision of a 24 hour dump station for big rigs situated on Council land, and access to rubbish, recycling and medical facilities.

9.1	Cycle/Walkway – Smith/Cole Streets and Adelaide Road
9.1.1	Board Member Christison reported that the community group coordinating this project will be requesting to uplift the funds granted by the Board to progress the work involved.
9.2	First World War Commemorations
9.2.1	Board Member Delaney reported on the meeting of the First World War Commemorations Committee held on 24 February 2015, and this included reference to the following matters: · The Returned and Services Association is progressing the arrangements for the events relating to the First World War commemorations held on Anzac Day. · The Places of Remembrance project was discussed, and the Dannevirke High School pupils are to research whether there are any amenities, streets or buildings in the Board’s area that should be named in honour of some aspect connected with the First World War. · A decision can then be made on whether any further action is taken regarding this matter. · Consideration is being given to commemorating the memorial of two significant dates and events that occurred in 1915 and impacted on the Dannevirke community. · On 8 May of that year seventeen men from this area were killed, and on 8 August fifteen men perished. · Rob McDonald is seeking financial assistance for the publication of three booklets containing his research concerning the First World War and its consequences to the Dannevirke district.
9.3	Tararua District Road Safety Group
9.3.1	The Chairperson reported on the meeting of the Tararua District Road Safety Group held on 24 February 2015, and this included reference to the following matters: · The Road Safety Coordinator is undertaking various road safety community initiatives focusing on the blood alcohol limits set by law, ensuring the wearing of child restraints, and providing fatigue stops for drivers. · The New Zealand Transport Agency is undertaking a review of the speed limits applicable to parts of the state highway. · Plans to upgrade State Highway 2 in the vicinity of the railway line and the Dannevirke Golf Club at Tahoraiti will shortly be released.
9.3.2	Board Member Delaney expressed his concern that the 100 kph speed limit on Tipapakuku Road remains an issue, and it needs to be reviewed in the future and reduced to 70 kph.
9.3.3	Acknowledging the number of people that walk along this road, it may justify consideration being given to establishing a walkway in the area on the grounds of improving safety.
9.4	Dannevirke Community Vehicle Trust
9.4.1	The Chairperson reported that the Dannevirke Community Vehicle Trust is negotiating with the Dannevirke Information Centre to undertake the role of its call centre and address for contact to access this community transport service.

11.	New Zealand Community Boards Conference 2015
11.1	That the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson be registered as the Board’s delegates to attend the New Zealand Community Boards Conference held at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands from 14 to 16 May 2015, and That if necessary part of this cost be met from the Board’s discretionary funds as the budget available for this purpose covers such expenditure for both of the district’s community boards to each send one representative to this event. Delaney/Isaacson Carried
11.2	The Governance Manager advised that the Eketahuna Community Board is to consider at their meeting this Friday its intentions concerning the above matter.
11.3	Board Member Christison advised that he is interested in attending this conference, and shall personally pay the associated costs that will be incurred.